Latch release device for 3-point vehicle seat belt

ABSTRACT

The present invention is for a latch and unlatch release assembly for old and late model vehicles permitting driver or passenger to conveniently and safely release the seat belt tongue from its buckle as well as to connect it to the buckle. It is comprised of a light frame, a grab bar, a latch-release band, two tension springs, and two pivot clips. The assembly is installed on the face of the belt tongue so that when it is in the retracted position a driver or passenger can reach across the chest and grab the assembly with one hand. Next the tongue of the belt is pulled down across the chest to latch with the belt buckle. To unlatch, the grab bar of the assembly is pushed down in a manner that the actuator of the release band puts pressure at the top of the buckle release element, releasing the belt.

This Application claims benefit of the filing date of the Provisional Application No. 61/276,948, Sep. 17, 2009, as the priority date of the non-provisional application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to seat belt for vehicles. Specifically, the invention comprises a devise for unlatching the shoulder belt from its buckle. Furthermore it permits occupants to easily and safely reach, swing out and latch a shoulder belt to the buckle using one hand in a swoop motion. As known, conventional seat belts for occupants sitting in the front of the vehicles include a seat and shoulder belt (3-point belt systems) that when in use afford protection by restraining the occupant waist and torso. As in all 3-point belt systems, the shoulder belt hangs vertically at a point to the left (or right at passenger side) and above the occupants' shoulders. At the state of technology, a great inconvenience for occupants is to be able to conveniently grasp the tongue of the belt and bring it forward and down to the latch into the buckle. Furthermore, unlatching the belt from the buckle presents other difficulties as well. People with impediments such as arthritic fingers find it difficult to press down on the release element of the buckle. Women with long fingernails are apt to break them when trying to press down on the release element of the buckle as well. Furthermore, the invention enhances driver safety by eliminating fumbling and distractions when operating the seat belt while driving. It is the purpose of this invention to address and mitigate the inconveniences and difficulties associated with the operation of unlatching and latching vehicle seat belts.

The concept of vehicular seat belt latching devices has been demonstrated in prior art. Below I submit the following patent relevant to the field of the present invention.

The Naumann invention (U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,217) features an apparatus for automatically positioning a seat belt to be grasped by operator for insertion into a buckle. The apparatus comprises an inflatable bellows with vacuum pressure and other mechanisms. This invention is extremely impractical and expensive when compared with the present invention and does not provide for easy unlatching of the seat belt.

The Tsubai invention (U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,557) features a seat belt handle assembly which allows an occupant to grasp a seat belt from its retracted position for latching to the buckle. This invention necessitates both hands to be applied during the latching maneuver, has poor mechanical advantage and does not provide for an easy way for unlatching. The present invention is for one-hand operation and provides for both latching and unlatching of vehicular seat belts.

The Finotti invention (U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,064) depicts a device with a rotating handle that is affixed to the tongue of a vehicle seat belt, the tongue of the seat belt invention contrived (and different from seat belts commonly used in US and foreign vehicles) to accept two shells at opposite sides of the tongue where the handle of the belt is attached. This invention necessitates a new design for seat belt tongues and is not proper for installation in used vehicles, for it would require substituting the original seat belt tongue for the one in the Finotti invention, a costly and perhaps illegal substitution. Moreover, the Finotti invention does not provide for means for the easy unlatching of the seat belt tongue from the seat belt buckle, as is provided in the present invention. The present invention will not alter the physical integrity, shape or geometry of seat belt tongues as originally installed in old or late model vehicles.

None of the inventions of references cited provide the means for both latching and unlatching of vehicle seat belts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is for a latch and unlatch release assembly for old and late model vehicles permitting driver or passenger to conveniently and safely release the seat belt tongue from its buckle as well as to connect it to the buckle. It is comprised of a light frame, a grab bar, a latch-release band, two tension springs, and two pivot clips. The assembly is installed on the face of the belt tongue so that when it is in the retracted position a driver or passenger can reach across the chest and grab the assembly with one hand. Next the tongue of the belt is pulled down across the chest to latch with the belt buckle. To unlatch, the grab bar of the assembly is pushed down in a manner that the actuator of the release band puts pressure at the top of the buckle release element, releasing the belt

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1—is an isometric drawing depicting how all the components of the invention are connected.

FIG. 2—is a front view depicting the latching and unlatching assembly attached to the tongue of a vehicle seat belt.

FIG. 3—a schematic view illustrating the device at rest position when belt is retracted.

FIG. 4—a schematic view illustrating the device at the mid-point travel when pulled out toward occupant's chest.

FIG. 5—is a schematic view of the device in almost vertical position before the tongue of the belt engages the buckle.

FIG. 6—is a schematic view illustrating the fully engaged device at the buckle.

FIG. 7—is a schematic view illustrating the device before it releases the belt.

FIG. 8—front and side view of the device frame

FIG. 9—front view of the device frame with grab bar installed

FIG. 10—front and side view of frame with latch release band and actuator installed.

FIG. 11—detail of tension springs connected to assembly frame and pivot clips.

FIG. 12—detail of latch release band with actuator.

FIG. 13—completed latching/unlatching assembly.

FIG. 14—front and side views of a completed assembly illustrating the embodiment for “New Vehicle Original Equipment Installation.”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The best mode of the present invention is best described in reference to the detailed and numbered drawings included in this application.

Referring to FIG. 1 (Isometric Drawing), of the unlatching and latching assembly of the present invention. A grab bar “1” is shown positioned at the top side of Frame “3.” The latch release band “2” is shown positioned at Frame “3.” Two tension springs “3 a” and “3 b” are shown positioned at the bottom of the two legs of Frame “3.” Two pivot clips “4 a” and “4 b” are shown positioned at the edge of seat belt tongue “5,” connected permanently to it. Frame “3” with grab bar “1”; latch release band “2” and two tension springs “3 a” and “3 b” assembled together to connect to pivot clips “4 a” and “4 b” at the edge of seat belt tongue “5,” the completed assembly referred by number “6.”

Once more referring to FIG. 1, the tension springs, “3 a” and “3 b,” connect to pivot clips “4 a” “4 b” as the final step of the installation of the assembly to the seat belt. Although the pivot clips are shown installed at the back of the belt tongue, other alternative ways may be used but are not shown for the sake of clarity.

Once more referring to FIG. 1, the latch release band is shown with the actuator as an integral fabricated part of the latch release band.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the grab bar “1” will be the first component installed in the Frame “3” at fabrication, followed by the latch release band with actuator “2” and finally the tension springs “3 a” and “3 b.” The best fabrication methods will be chosen after the patent for the present invention is issued, if granted.

Finally, the completed assembly “5” of FIG. 1 is connected to the seat belt tongue “6,” thus operational as an unlatching and latching device. FIG. 1 shows a seat belt buckle “7” with its release element “8.”

The assembly described in this invention is susceptible to making changes without substantial deviation from the operation and intended use therefore all the descriptions and accompanying drawings and specifications should be deemed as such representative and illustrative of the best mode of the invention and in no way limiting to the invention.

This device will accomplish easy release of a vehicle seat belt by means of a convenient unlatch mechanism at the seat belt tongue as well as latching the belt tongue to the buckle. The device comprises five elements: (1) a three-sided lightweight “U” frame; (2) a grab bar; (3) a latch release band with actuator; (4) two pivot clips; and (5) two tension springs.

The first element, the frame, has a nominal width of 3¾ inches by a length of 2⅝ inches at the two legs of the frame. It is made of high tensile wire or thin rod with a diameter of 5/64 of an inch, chrome or nickel plated.

The second element, the grab bar, is 3½ inches long and a diameter of a ½ inch to be made of various materials including plastic, metal or wood having a chrome or nickel plated ring at each end.

The third element, the latch release band with actuator, has a length of 3⅜ inches by a width of ⅝ inches and 1/64 of an inch thick. At its centerline it will have a formed shape (the actuator) of ⅝ inch-wide and 5/16 of an inch deep to actuate the release of the vehicle seat belt. The dimensions of this formed shape may vary to accommodate the geometries and dimensions of the seat belt latch buckle so that proper release contact is made. The shape of this part of the actuator may be round, square, triangular, oblong or any other shape. It may be a separate component to be attached to the latch releaser band or it may be fabricated integrally as part of the latch release band. Both the release band and actuator will be made of suitable material including, but not limited to, plastics and metals of various kinds.

The fourth element is two “L”-shaped pivot clips that attach to either the top or underside of seat belt tongue by special glue. They have a nominal length of ½ inch by ⅜ inch width, and a 5/32 inch diameter hole.

The fifth element is two tension springs for restraining the device. These are fine springs ⅜ inch in length by a diameter of ⅛ inch to be connected at one end of the frame of the device through an orifice and to the pivot clips through an orifice. See details of FIG. 11 for better understanding.

The present invention is for an unlatching and latching assembly (device) for old as well as late model vehicles which permits a vehicle operator or a passenger to conveniently and safely release the seat belt tongue from the seat belt buckle as well as to connect the belt tongue to the buckle. The assembly is comprised of a light frame, a grab bar, a release band with actuator, two tension springs, and two pivot clips. The assembly is installed on the face of the belt tongue so that when the belt is in the retracted position a driver or passenger can easily reach across the chest and grab the assembly grab bar with fingers of one hand. Next the driver or passenger pulls the tongue of the belt down across the chest to latch with the belt buckle. To unlatch, the driver or passenger pushes the grab bar of the assembly down in a manner that the actuator of the release band puts pressure at the top of the buckle release element, easily and conveniently releasing the belt tongue from the buckle. The device affords superior mechanical assist and advantage over the standard convention afforded by 3-point seat belt systems, eliminating the clumsiness associated with this convention and enhancing safety as well. Instead of fumbling with two hands, the device affords total control using a one-hand operation. A high percentage of drivers forget (or disregard) to buckle up until confronted with a situation (a patrolman, for instance). At that point it becomes very unsafe as the driver gropes and fumbles to fasten belt. This is usually done using both hands, compromising control of the vehicle as eyes and mind are then focused on the belt. With the device of the present invention, a driver can buckle down in a few seconds, using one hand while keeping his/her eyes on the road. Women will find the use of the device especially attractive and convenient for the protection it affords to their fingernails. Breaking nails and scoffing them after painting or varnishing is a complaint heard from women. The device of this application will prevent these misfortunes from happening. Arthritis sufferers and senior persons may find relief in using the device because of the grip afforded, mechanical advantage and ease of use. The device offers time economy because of its one-hand operation, good grip, absence of fumbling and groping, lack of hassle and total control. The device is easy to locate with utmost confidence, even with eyes closed.

Operation of the Device of This Application:

The operation consists of four (4) steps as normally executed with current 3-point vehicle seat belts but with enhanced mechanics that afford better handling and control.

To Latch:

Step 1: User (Driver or passenger) reaches with fingers of left or right hand, depending on convenience, across the chest and grabs the grab bar hanging from the seat belt buckle head.

Step 2: User pulls seat belt across chest and down with one hand in an arc pointing the blade of the seat belt tongue in the direction of the seat belt buckle housing. As the user pulls across and down, three or four of the fingers remain placed around the grab bar (that is held between the first two joints of the fingers) and the thumb at the top of the seat belt tongue. This is done in one motion that is both natural and instinctive without having to look.

Step 3: User latches down tongue of the seat belt and releases the hold on the grab bar of the latching/unlatching device, the seat belt tongue remaining latched at the seat belt buckle.

To Unlatch:

Step 4: User unlatches the seat belt by pushing down on the grab bar of the latch/unlatch device so that the actuator of the latch release band presses down on the release element of seat belt buckle. A reasonable force must be exerted on the grab bar to overcome the tension springs. These springs maintain the latch/unlatch device grab bar at a pre-set distance above the release element of the belt buckle for both convenience and safety.

At release, the belt tongue and latch/unlatch device will be drawn back across the chest of user by the belt pulley, to its retracted position. At release user may elect to maintain his/her hold on the grab bar and follow the pull of the retractor back to its initial position. This action will ensure that the seat belt tongue and device will not entangle or travel short of its normal retracted position.

The best mode of the device of this application may be made of a combination of metal, plastic, wood or other materials. The preferred method is for a device with a metal frame of high tensile strength (fine rod or wire), a grab bar made of plastic including, but not limited to, vinyl, PVC, or Bakelite, and a latch release band with actuator made of thin metal sheet.

OTHER MODES OF THE INVENTION

For New and Used Vehicles Aftermarket Installation:

(1) A device for latching/unlatching mounted on the tongue of seat belt with enclosing plates, as to make a clamp with the belt tongue and a frame latch assembly with release band and actuator as in this application, without having to physically or otherwise alter the original tongue of seat belt.

(2) A self-contained device for latching/unlatching enclosed in a housing and mounted on seat belt tongue comprising a push down seat belt release actuator mounted on springs and operated, by pushing down with the thumb, without having to physically or otherwise alter the original tongue of seat belt.

(3) A levered mechanism encompassing a lever mounted on a spring with a release actuator that could be installed on the side of the vehicle seat or center console, actuated by pushing the lever down on the buckle release element, for specifically unlatching the seat belt.

For New Vehicle Original Equipment Installation:

For original equipment installation at the factory, a seat belt tongue designed and configured to conform to the elements of the present invention. A solution would be for the grab bar to be integrated as a unit in a frame affixed to the head of the belt tongue and pivoted at the head, so as to rotate in an arc. The frame would also incorporate a latch release band with actuator as an integral unit within the frame. Tension springs could be incorporated inside the frame to return the grab bar to a convenient position above the latch release element of the belt buckle. This other invention mode would operate in the same manner as the present invention but adapted to a new belt tongue design. As in the preferred method, this invention mode would act as an unlatching/latching device, but much simpler. Please refer to FIG. 14 for better understanding. 

1. In conjunction with vehicular passenger seat belts, a seat belt unlatching and latching assembly comprising pivot clips for connecting assembly to the tongue of seat belt, a metallic wire frame with a grab bar for grasping the assembly, the unlatching/latching assembly so connected to the seat belt tongue as to hang from the seat belt retracted position when disengaged, the grab bar projecting forward from the seat belt tongue's retracted position for easy reach.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein tension springs are connected at each leg of the metallic frame and to each pivot clip, through holes so as to allow the assembly frame and grab bar to be positioned in a vertical position to the seat belt buckle when assembly is latched down.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein a rectangular thin band of sheet metal is connected to the assembly frame so as to span from one leg of the frame to the other, incorporating a fixed geometrically-shaped protuberance projecting down and positioned at the underside and center of the sheet metal band, so positioned and oriented to apply and effect down pressure at the release element of the seat belt buckle when the passenger of the vehicle presses down the grab bar of assembly, when disengaging the seat belt. 